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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin 01-20-93MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH - January 20, 1993 The city Council convened in a regular meeting, of which the agenda was legally noticed and posted, at 6:31 p.m., in the Council Chamber of the Civic Center, 300 Seminary Avenue. Roll was taken and the following Councilmembers were present: Malone, Wattenburger, Shoemaker and Mayor Schneiter. Staff present: City Clerk McKay, city Manager Rough, City Attorney Rapport, Community Development Director Harris, Redevelopment/Economic Development Coordinator DeKnoblough, Electric Utility Director Barnes, Electrical Distribution Engineer Wobig, Finance Director Burt, Assistant City Manager Horsley, Police Captain Budrow, Acting Executive Assistant Yoast, and Public Works Director Goforth. INVOCATION/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilmember Shoemaker led a moment of silence and Mayor Schneiter led the Pledge of Allegiance. PROCLAMATION 4a. Proclamation Declaring February 1993 as Pet Spay and Neuter Month Mayor Schneiter read and presented the Proclamation to Stephanie Hoppe, who provided a brief report regarding Mendocino County statistics pertaining to cat and dog overpopulation and its impact. 5. Approval/Correction of Minutes of Reqular Meetinq, December, 16, 1992 Councilmember Wattenburger requested the following amendment to the draft minutes of the regular meeting of December 16, 1992, as follows; Page 4, ninthParagraph, first sentence, change the second of the motion to introduce the Ordinance, from "Shoemaker" to "Wattenburger." M/S Malone/Wattenburger to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of December 16, 1992, as amended. The motion was carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Malone, Wattenburger, Shoemaker and Mayor Schneiter. NOES: None. Absent: None. 6. RIGHT TO APPEAL DECISION Mayor Schneiter reviewed Section 1094.6 of the California Code of civil Procedures regarding the appeal process. 7. CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Schneiter reported receiving a request from Judy Pruden to remove Consent Calendar Item 7f. Authorize Demolition Permit for Destruction of Older than 50 Year Structure located at 414 West Clay Street by Piero Anzillotti It was the consensus of Council to move Consent Calendar Item 7f. to New Business Item lld. for further information and discussion. Councilmember Wattenburger requested Item 7j. Authorize Taxi Cab Permit for Mendocino Cab Company's 1985 Dodqe Diplomat as Der Ukiah Code Section 2546 be pulled from the Consent Calendar for further discussion. This item of business then became New Business Item lle. M/S Wattenburger/Malone to approve the Consent Calendar as follows; 7ai. Approved the Payroll Warrants, dated December 6, 1992 to December 19, 1992, #46396 to #46575, in the amount of $145,228.91, and the General Warrants, dated January 6, 1993, #58455 to #58638, in the amount of $381,319.24. 7aii. Approved the Payroll Warrants dated December 20, 1992 to January 2, 1993, #46576 to #46746, in the amount of $149,625.94, and the General Warrants, dated January 20, 1993, #58663 to #58835, in the amount of $964,688.71. 7b. Accepted Councilmember Frank McMichael's letter of resignation, dated December 30, 1992, which became effective January 4, 1993. 7c. Denied the claim received from Luella Case and referred it to the city's insurance carrier, R.E.M.I.F. 7d. Adopted Ordinance No. 933, Amending Division 2 of the Ukiah City Code Pertaining to Business Licenses. 7e. Adopted Ordinance No. 932, Amending Chapter 5 of Division 1 of the Ukiah City Code, Pertaining to the Civil Service of the city of Ukiah. 7g. Adopted Resolution No. 93-42, Authorizing the Mayor to execute the South Tesla Agreement Between the Transmission Agency of Northern california and the city of Ukiah. 7h. Certified eligibility of property for listing on National Register of Historic Places and Approve Nomination for 308 South School Street, Mary Ann Villwock. 7i. Accepted the work as complete and directed the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion for Construction of Lake Mendocino Hatchery Water Pump System, Specification No. 91-25. The motion on the floor was carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Malone, Wattenburger, Shoemaker, and Mayor Schneiter. NOES: None. 8. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS No one came forward. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 10a. Nomination and Appointment of Council Applicant i. Adoption of Resolution Approving Council Appointment to Fill the Unexpired Term of Frank McMichael to June 1994 Councilmember Shoemaker stated he regrets the appointment process in that he feels the voters should make the decision for their Council representative. He expressed his disappointment in the gender issue that has been raised and his selection criteria was based on what individual, male or female, can best serve on the Council with common sense and integrity. He suggested a different nomination process. Councilmember Malone, Wattenburger and Mayor Schneiter indicated they would like to continue with the normal nomination process used in the past. Mayor Schneiter nominated Jim Mastin to fill the unexpired term of Councilmember Frank McMichael. The nomination was seconded by Councilmember Shoemaker. The motion carried with the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmember Wattenburger, Shoemaker and Mayor Schneiter. NOES: Councilmember Malone. M/S Malone/Shoemaker to accept the nomination of Jim Mastin by acclimation. The motion was carried by a unanimous voice vote of all AYE. M/S Wattenburger/Malone to adopt Resolution No. 93-45, Appointing Jim Mastin to fill the unexpired Council term Reg. Mtg. January 20, 1993 Page 2 of Frank McMcMichael to June 1994. The motion was carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Malone, Wattenburger, Shoemaker, and Mayor Schneiter. NOES: None. Recess - 7:07 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING 9a. Consideration of Reconvened - 7:15 p.m. a Resolution Creatinq Utility Underqround District No. 3, which is Generally Bounded by Gobbi Street to Clay Street to Oak Street to Main Street The Redevelopment/Economic Development Coordinator reported the Downtown Master Plan, which was approved by the Council and the Redevelopment Agency, calls for the undergrounding of utilities in the Downtown District inthe first phase. He noted the funding for the engineering and trenching of this phase is included in the 1992/1993 budget, with the installation of utility facilities (electric, gas, cable and telephone) completed in 1994. He reported all property owners in the proposed District have been notified. Discussion ensued regarding the funding amounts and budget accounts. PUBLIC HEARING OPENED - 7:24 p.m. No one came forward. PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED - 7:25 p.m. M/S Malone/Wattenburger to adopt Resolution No. 93-43, designating Utility Underground District No. 3, Generally Bounded by Gobbi Street to Clay Street to Oak Street to Main Street. The motion was carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Malone, Wattenburger, Shoemaker, and Mayor Schneiter. NOES: None. 9b. Consideration of Resolution Adjusting Fees and Charqes, Establishinq Special Dumpinq Rates for Self-Hauled Loads of Mixed Recyclables and Garbaqe and Chanqinq Hours of Operation and Miscellaneous Procedures at the Ukiah Municipal Solid Waste Site The Public Works Director reported a general gate fee increase is needed to keep the disposal site self-supporting, to build sufficient reserves for closure and post closure maintenance, establish a newly required reserve fund for potential emergencies, fund new monitoring and testing requirements, relocate PG&E powerlines and a new access road, pay new inspection fees and to complete processing of the application for Facility Permit Revision. He noted it is anticipated the proposed increase of $1.25 per cubic yard will generate approximately $230,000 to $240,000. He also explained the recommendation to establish a new special rate for mixed self-hauled loads, as included in the recently approved Preliminary Draft of the Source Reduction and Recycling Element. He proceeded to explain the recommended change in hours of operation of the landfill site to accommodate earlier opening and closing. Discussion ensued regarding current fund balances and increased amounts, County landfill charges, rerouting the landfill access road will increase percentage use of the landfill, and effects of increase to franchise haulers. Councilmember Shoemaker stated he would like the landfill site to allow less than 1 cubic yard minimum dumping fees, which would help eliminate illegal dumping and unsanitary accumulation at home sites. Discussion ensued regarding amounts and fees, separation of self-hauled loads and the process used by the load checker. Reg. Mtg. January 20, 1993 Page 3 Councilmember Shoemaker stated he likes the idea of opening earlier but disagrees with the earlier closing, as contractors depend upon the landfill site being open for them to dump their loads after their construction work day, at least through the construction season. PUBLIC HEARING OPENED - 8:15 p.m. Marc Groah, 114 Observatory Avenue, stated he likes the idea of a 1/2 cubic yard fee, and noted moving a access road is a very expensive proposition just to make a new home subdivision happy. Mr. Groah also questioned a EBA rate increase and if the curbside recycling program was put out for bid as there is money in these items. The City Manager explained how EBA Wastetechnologies is conducting the testing at the landfill site and that they will be issuing reports to the city this spring and there was a request for proposal process used in the curbside recycling pick-up program. Pete Carter, 191 Cherry Street, stated as the owner of several carwash businesses in town, this increase in fees for unseparated refuse will greatly impact him as his dumpsters accumulate other peoples garbage and he feels it can be detrimental to his employees to go through it and sort it with all the unknown components that may be in the refuse and he asked for special consideration for his situation. John McCowan, P.O. Box 454, stated he supports the reduced minimum quantity and fees and feels a commercial recycling program for apartments should be developed. Nelson Redding, 408 Luce Avenue, stated he feels that lowering the minimum quantity will only offer advantage to those who live outside the City, as the City has mandatory pickup with fees per can. He stated he feels eventually the inland area of the County has to go to mandatory garbage, and this could hinder this effort. He commended the city for its good landfill management and foresight which will benefit the citizens of Ukiah, and approves of the mandatory sorting out of recyclables. John McCowen commented although half of the refuse into the City Landfill is from the County, these people should not have to have six garbage cans sitting in their yards until they can dispose of it. PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED - 8:30 p.m. The City Manager noted if the Council desires, the Public Works Director has developed a tipping fee for a 1/2 cubic yard minimum. Mayor Schneiter stated he prefers $4.75 to facilitate change and noted he is concerned about the issue of a business's unattended dumpsters. Councilmember Shoemaker stated this could be eliminated with a commercial garbage pick up instead of self haul. He suggested a possible variance procedure through the City Manager for certain special situations for businesses. The City Attorney commented that Council could direct staff to research this matter and bring it back for Council consideration in the future. Councilmember Shoemaker made the suggestions that scrap metal be taken out before approaching the gate, to look into finding someone else to take the scrap metal, and to take refrigerators then de-freon them at a lower rate than the $30 which is currently being charged at appliance stores. Reg. Mtg. January 20, 1993 Page 4 The city Manager noted these issues can be addressed at the upcoming solid waste management workshop which will be held after receiving the EBA reports. Discussion ensued regarding cost of scrap metal pick-up, hours of operation during nine months of the year, and the landfill staffing process. M/S Shoemaker/Wattenburger to adopt Resolution No. 93-44, adjusting fees and charges, establishing special dumping rates for self-hauled loads of mixed recyclables and garbage, and changing hours of operation and miscellaneous procedures at the Ukiah Municipal Solid Waste Site to include the hours of operation from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., between February 15 to November 14, and 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., November 15 to February 14 Tuesday through Saturday, except national holidays, and to include a 1/2 cubic yard minimum gate fee of $4.75, and directed staff to develop a policy proposal for a variance procedure regarding a surcharge for mixed loads prior to the March 1 implementation date. The motion was carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Malone, Wattenburger, Shoemaker, and Mayor Schneiter. NOES: None. Mayor Schneiter read a letter received from the Army Corps of Engineers from Calvin C. Fong, addressed to Public Works Director Goforth, which indicated that upon their inspection of the landfill site, no violations exist at the landfill at this time. Mayor Schneiter also read an update on today's flooding of streets within the City of Ukiah. Recess 8:50 p.m. Reconvened - 9:00 p.m. 10c. Consideration of Proposed Business Incentive Aqreement The Mayor and the city Manager announced as a result of eight months of staff efforts the city has been successful in recruiting a small plastics injection molding manufacturing firm, Callies Enterprises of San Rafael to our community. The City Manager explained this will provide 20 jobs in the first phase, with a potential for more. He explained the various financial incentives amounting to $48,550 which were provided to the owner and developer by the City and the Redevelopment Agency. He reported on the positive economic effects, Phase II of the firm's proposed expansion, the developer incentive package and noted on October 19, 1992 the Redevelopment Finance Review Committee approved this incentive package with an additional $2,000 in incentives added after. The Council individually expressed their pleasure and welcomed Mr. and Mrs Callies to our community. Kurt Callies, expressed his appreciation for the City's efforts and noted he is very impressed with the landfill situation and explained his operation is very clean with no scrap. He explained his company's move is a win/win situation and noted it was the quality of life in Ukiah which impressed him. M/S Wattenburger/Malone to approve the incentive package for Callies Enterprises and authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Callies Enterprises. The motion was carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Malone, Wattenburger, Shoemaker, and Mayor Schneiter. NOES: None. 10b. Consideration of Revised Vehicle for Hire Ordinance The City Attorney noted that as directed by Council at the regular meeting of December 2, 1992, he has rewritten the Ukiah City Code Sections pertaining to Vehicles For Hire to reflect the Council's desire to retain control over Reg. Mtg. January 20, 1993 Page 5 Taxicab and driver permits, instead of deregulation as was previously proposed in which a new Ordinance was introduced but not adopted. He explained the proposed Ordinance and Resolution which consolidates all permitting, licenses and fees with the one department of Public Safety. He explained the individual updates to the old Code. Councilmember Shoemaker noted he feels fees for appeals are inappropriate. The city Attorney noted a Resolution approving fees will be forwarded to Council before the Ordinance becomes effective. Discussion ensued regarding the process used for permitting and investigation. Councilmember Wattenburger commended the city Attorney for the thorough work he provided in this update of the existing Code. Brian Buckley, 1908 Stark Lane, Paradise, owner of Mendocino Taxi, noted this new Ordinance appears to be very in-depth and questioned why some vehicles for hire such as limosine services and tour buses operating in Ukiah are not required to have these permits, while his vehicles have been stopped and checked, and questioned if this Ordinance will also affect those business as well. The City Manager explained the businesses that are being referenced are licensed by the Public Utilities Commission and therefore are exempt from City authority. Mr. Buckley stated the City of Chico has stopped regulating limousines. Discussion ensued regarding regulation clarification. insurance costs and PUC Mayor Schneiter asked Mr. Buckley if he has any concerns or problems with the proposed Ordinance. Mr. Buckley stated he has no problem with the appeal process and indicated he understands the new requirements are more stringent, but requested Council look into the issue of possibly allowing subcontractors as drivers to keep his employee expense overhead down. The City Attorney explained the proposed Ordinance does not contain any change to the existing code section which requires taxi cab drivers to be owners or employees of the authorized company, which assures direct control over drivers by the owner of the taxi company. Discussion ensued regarding insurance requirements, misdemeanor infractions and possible interpretation of permit process procedures. The City Attorney advised the proposed Ordinance could be introduced then amended before final adoption at a later date. It was the consensus of Council for staff to address the subcontractor issue for the next Council meeting. M/S Malone/Wattenburger to read the Ordinance by title only for its first reading. The motion was carried by a unanimous voice vote of all AYE. The City Clerk read the title of the proposed Ordinance. M/S Wattenburger/Malone to introduce the Ordinance amending Division 2, Chapter 5 of the Ukiah City Code, Entitled: For Hire Vehicle. The motion was carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Malone, Wattenburger, Shoemaker, and Mayor Schneiter. NOES: None. Reg. Mtg. January 20, 1993 Page 6 The City Attorney noted he will provide a possible amendment in addition to clarification regarding the PUC regulations for Council at the next meeting. NEW BUSINESS lla. Consideration of Proposed Sale of Former City Hall, 203 South School Street and Authorization of City Manaqer to Execute Aqreement for Sale of Subject Property The City Manager commented this offer of $40,000 for the purchase of this property exceeds the appraisal and independent real estate assessment. He explained properties in the downtown area can vary widely based upon the differing conditions and circumstances surrounding each property in our downtown area, with seismic retrofit as a main challenge in revitalization efforts. The Redevelopment/Economic Development Coordinator reviewed the appraisal of Harding Appraisal Company, Inc. of $35,000, the estimation of seismic and structural improvements provided by Roger Vincent of Rau and Associates estimated at between $450,000 and $700,000, and the independent investigation and valuation by William Hafner, MAI of $35,000. Patrick Harbin, stated it is his major objective to get this building into production so that he can do a development downtown within the next few years. Mayor Schneiter commended efforts in the downtown area. Mr. Harbin for his many M/S Wattenburger/Malone to adopt Resolution No. 93-47 authorizing the City Manager to execute any documents necessary to convey title pursuant to the proposal of Patrick Harbin, including any necessary deed. The motion was carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Malone, Wattenburger, Shoemaker, and Mayor Schneiter. NOES: None. llb. Consideration of Policy Resolution Reqardinq Banners Over Public Right of Way The Assistant City Manager reported five to eight banners are currently allowed in the public right of way between the Courthouse and McNab's per year. She noted due to deterioration of the supports in addition to the inconvenience to the two parties involved, staff is proposing securing banners to City of Ukiah poles located just south of Perkins Street on South State Street. There is a need for a new procedure format and policy which will eliminate the need for County insurance and approval and will allow the City to assure the safety of banners over the public right of way. Discussion ensued regarding procedures, amount of interest use on a first-come basis. the 15-day limitation, and demand, and scheduling M/S Shoemaker/Wattenburger to adopt Policy Resolution No. liB, (Superseding Policy Resolutions No. llA and 11) allowing banners over public right-of-way. The motion was carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Malone, Wattenburger, Shoemaker, and Mayor Schneiter. NOES: None. lld. Authorize Demolition Permit for Destruction of Older than 50 Year Structure located at 414 West Clay Street by Piero Anzillotti Judy Pruden, 304 South Hortense, stated she just became aware of this item of Council business yesterday and that the evaluation submitted is incorrect and this property is listed on the City's local inventory and does not recommend Reg. Mtg. January 20, 1993 Page 7 demolition at this time as there are some concerns about this property. The Community Development Director explained this property is listed in the Architectural and Historical Resources Inventory report but is not one of the 200 properties that have been identified by the State. It is one of 188 properties listed as potential historic district No. 2 residential west. Discussion ensued regarding the process used for the referral of this demolition permit request. Councilmember Shoemaker commented we should have a written procedures policy which would help clarify this process. Ms. Pruden stated she has provided written letters to the City regarding the historical significance of specific properties for the last 8 years. The City Manager noted the City was under the impression that the Historical Society had conferred with Ms. Pruden. Ms. Pruden stated she would like the consideration of being contacted for a complete evaluation which will continue to cost the City nothing. It was the consensus of Council for this matter to be postponed for receipt of further information and requested a referral policy be researched and brought back to Council. Morey McCloud, address not stated, commented this small dilapidated home cannot be salvaged and questioned if it cannot be demolished, will the City pay the owner for it. Mayor Schneiter stated this matter will be thoroughly addressed at the next Council meeting, and at this point in time, the approval of the demolition permit cannot be addressed without further information. lle. Authorize Taxicab Authorize Taxi Cab Permit for Mendocino Cab ComDany's 1985 Dodqe Diplomat as per Ukiah Code Section 2546 Councilmember Wattenburger explained he pulled this item of business from the Consent Calendar for a discussion with Mr. Buckley, who has chosen not to stay for this item of business, even though he was specifically requested to remain. He added this specific vehicle has been operating illegally, although Mr. Buckley has been warned, and desires this permit be denied until Mr. Buckley complies with all Code requirements. The City Manager reviewed how the City has attempted to accommodate Mr. Buckley for legal operation of this second vehicle during the holidays, but the insurance and vehicle safety report were not received until as late as January 8, 1993. Discussion ensued regarding grounds for denial. M/S Schneiter/Shoemaker to authorize the City Clerk to to issue a taxi cab permit upon receipt of the $30 license fee, for a 1985 Dodge Diplomat, for the Mendocino Cab Company. The motion was carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Malone, Shoemaker and Mayor Schneiter. NOES: Councilmember Wattenburger. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS Councilmember Malone Reported on the Chamber of Commerce and Main Street meetings he attended. Reg. Mtg. January 20, 1993 Page 8 Councilmember Wattenburqer Reported on the Mendocino Transit Authority Meeting he attended, on a Mendocino County Task Force raid he observed, and a citizens meeting regarding Fire District Consolidation. He requested roofing standards be agendized for Council discussion at a future meeting. Councilmember Shoemaker Reported on the Mendocino Solid Waste Authority meeting he attended. Mayor Schneiter Reported on the Mayors/Managers meeting he attended in Willits, noted the Sanitation District meeting has been postponed, and reported he will be attending upcoming Northern California Power Association and Redwood Empire Municipal Insurance Fund meetings. CITY MANAGER/DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS The City Manager reported the first meeting of a citizens committee which will be reviewing the City's planning process, was held and this review should be completed in March, and noted that staff budget sessions have begun. ADJOURNMENT There being no further busines~ the meeting wa~ adjourned at 11:28 p.m. /~ .~~ C~hy McKay CMC/AAE~ity CCMIN.120 Clerk Reg. Mtg. January 20, 1993 Page 9